Tucked away in Higashiosaka City, Hyōtanzan Inari Shrine whispers tales of fortunes and blessings. Hyōtanzan Inari Shrine isn’t just any shrine. It’s one of Japan’s three great Inari shrines, a place of power and reverence. Built atop the Hyōtanyama Kofun, a double-circular burial mound, it exudes an aura of ancient mystique. Here, the deity Ukemochi no Okami holds court, promising prosperity in business, harmonious relationships, and overall well-being. Imagine seeking your fortune through the unique “tsujiura” divination. This rare practice, with Hyōtanzan Inari Shrine as its head shrine, offers three intriguing paths to glimpse your destiny. Observe passersby with “Tsujiura Hanja,” decipher flickering flames with “Tsujiura Omikuji,” or consult the “Tsujiura Hyotan Sasa,” the ancestor of the fortune cookie. Legend connects Hyōtanzan Inari Shrine to the formidable Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As he constructed Osaka Castle in 1583, he sought a guardian deity in the auspicious Tatsumi direction. Three ri away, he found the sacred spot and enshrined “Fukube (Hyotan) Inari,” along with Kinbyou. This divine protector, Ukemochi-no-Okami, ensures abundance not just in business, but in food and life itself. Within the shrine’s embrace, other deities offer their blessings. The Sugawara Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning, stands ready to aid those seeking knowledge. Prayers for newborns, companies, safe childbirth, and child-rearing rise within these hallowed grounds. Hyōtanzan Inari Shrine offers a glimpse into the heart of Japanese spirituality, a place where ancient traditions and divine blessings intertwine.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It